Like you I am extremely angry at the abolition of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB). For years we have been lobbying successive governments over the need to introduce a national framework for support staff, which would have introduced core contracts and fair pay, no matter what job, or school you worked in throughout the country. This would have standardised pay across the country, removing anomalies and tackling the thorny issue of term time pay.
Over the last 2 years we’ve had very productive meetings with employers and politicians from all the parties, representatives from all the different types of schools. Significant progress was made and we were on course for a roll out early next year.
It was disappointing therefore that the Government pulled the plug on what would have led to a significant improvement to staff employed in schools.
This government hates national pay bargaining, as much as staff being organised and having a voice. We now have 2,000 school contacts in the North West, so our message to the Government is clear. “We are not going to roll over. “
Keith Bradley, UNISON NW Lead Officer for schools
